| Abstract: | For many years a curiosity in the collection of the Royal Armouries, IV.2, or the ‘Blind Basinet’, is a fascinating example of an early 16th century great basinet not so much for what is present but for what is not. The lack of any means of seeing out of the helmet has led to a number of traditions regarding its provenance and purpose. A detailed examination of the helmet’s interior, as well as comparison with some other contemporary pieces, shows that it is an unfinished piece of armour. It was left at the stage where the sights and breaths would have been pierced, but they were left unfinished until some later modifications created a display piece, one which can still be seen at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. |
